Epagri advances tilapia genetics and issues El Niño climate warnings

Epagri (Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina) has reported significant advancements in tilapia genetic improvement, increasing fish weight by 39% over five generations. This development supports a Brazilian aquaculture chain that produced 533,700 tons in 2025. Tilapia accounts for 68.2% of fish cultivated in Brazil, with Paraná, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais leading production. Last year, tilapia exports generated approximately R$ 283 million, with fresh or chilled fillets contributing 73% of that revenue.

Separately, Epagri has issued technical guidance to rural producers to mitigate potential losses caused by intense rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon. The agency warns that heavy precipitation could impact various sectors, specifically noting that onion and bean crops are highly sensitive to excessive moisture. Recommendations include improved crop management, infrastructure protection, and the strategic storage of machinery and inputs to prevent damage from flooding. Meteorological models suggest elevated rainfall volumes may persist through the end of the year and into early 2027.